Expect Radical Agenda from Oklahoma Republicans

A recent New York Times article presents an issue that is sure to affect Oklahoma in the next two years. The article argues the Christian right plans to target state politics throughout the country in a new, aggressive fashion, hoping to put limits on a woman's right to control her own body while adding creationist disclaimers to school science textbooks.

Here's the main gist of the story: much of the political action will be local, not national, as we brace ourselves for four more years of George Bush.

Oklahoma, of course, will be no exception. In fact, the state may well become a leader in the country's steady and sure march to quasi-fascist and Christian theocratic rule. With their new majority in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the Republicans are sure to advance a radical, ultra-conservative agenda.

The Republicans gained nine seats in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in November, giving them a 57-44 margin. This is the first time since 1920, the Republicans have had such a majority.

The new majority leader will mostly likely be Todd Hiett,a rancher from Kellyville, which is relatively close to the Tulsa area.

The reason I mention Hiett is that Oklahoma progressives need to be ready to contact his office once the right-wing, radical fireworks begin.

Here's the contact information: Todd Hiett, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd, Room 401, Oklahoma City, OK 73105,(405) 557-7353. His district address contact information is 16431 Slick Road, Kellyville, OK 74039,(918) 247-3697. His email is toddhiett@okhouse.gov.

Let's hope Democratic Governor Brad Henry and the Oklahoma State Senate can keep the House Republicans in check.

But I get the sense we will need to be ready to fight back.